U.S. patent number 5,917,906 [Application Number 08/941,694] was granted by the patent office on 1999-06-29 for touch pad with tactile feature.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ericsson Inc.. Invention is credited to Curtis W. Thornton.
United States Patent |
5,917,906 |
Thornton |
June 29, 1999 |
Touch pad with tactile feature
Abstract
A touch pad assembly for portable communication devices has a
dual entry user interface surface and is configured to overlay a
touch pad surface. The touch-pad assembly can operate in both a key
entry and graphical (written) input mode via the same input
surface. In the key entry mode, the touch-pad assembly provides
tactile feedback to the user affirming the selected key input.
Inventors: |
Thornton; Curtis W. (Cary,
NC) |
Assignee: |
Ericsson Inc. (Research
Triangle Park, NC)
|
Family
ID: |
25476912 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/941,694 |
Filed: |
October 1, 1997 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
379/433.07;
379/368 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M
1/23 (20130101); G06F 1/1626 (20130101); G06F
3/0219 (20130101); G06F 1/169 (20130101); G06F
3/03547 (20130101); H01H 2215/034 (20130101); G06F
2203/04809 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/023 (20060101); G06F 3/033 (20060101); G06F
1/16 (20060101); H04M 1/23 (20060101); H04M
001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;379/433,434,428,368,419
;200/512 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Chiang; Jack
Assistant Examiner: Huynh; David
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec,
P.A.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A radiotelephone with a touch pad having tactile features
associated therewith, said radiotelephone comprising:
a radiotelephone body having a face with a touch-pad surface
thereon;
an array of snap domes arranged in predetermined spaced-apart
alignment to contact said touch-pad surface;
a spacer sheet overlaying said snap dome array opposite said
radiotelephone body, said spacer sheet including a plurality of
apertures for receiving selected ones of said domes therein;
and
a user input interface comprising a key and graphic entry pad
overlaying said spacer sheet opposite said snap dome array, said
entry pad including a plurality of key entry surfaces thereon, each
of said plurality of key entry surfaces are aligned with respective
ones of said domes received in said spacer sheet, wherein
responsive to a user's depression of one of said key entry surfaces
said dome provides tactile affirmation of the selection to the user
and relays the selection to said touch-pad surface.
2. A radiotelephone according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of
key entry surfaces are configured on said entry pad as a
substantially planar continuous surface to facilitate a smooth
graphic entry surface for a user.
3. A radiotelephone according to claim 2, wherein said array of
snap domes is a snap dome sheet configured to position a plurality
of upwardly extending domes in positive retention.
4. A radiotelephone according to claim 1, wherein each of said
domes contacts said touch pad surface to define a contact zone
representing a corresponding keypad entry.
5. A radiotelephone according to claim 1, wherein said
radiotelephone includes two modes of operation controllable by a
user selectable switch.
6. A radiotelephone according to claim 5, wherein said two modes of
operation include a key entry mode and a graphic entry mode.
7. A radiotelephone according to claim 1, wherein said
radiotelephone includes a display window.
8. A radiotelephone according to claim 3, wherein said spacer sheet
has a top surface which contacts said entry keypad, and wherein
said domes are configured and sized such that they extend into said
spacer sheet apertures to be substantially flush with said top
surface.
9. A radiotelephone according to claim 3, wherein said spacer sheet
has a top surface which contacts said entry keypad, and wherein
said domes received in said spacer sheet apertures are below said
top surface.
10. A portable communication device, comprising:
a device body having a face with a touch pad surface thereon;
an array of snap domes arranged in spaced-apart alignment
positioned on said body to contact said touch pad surface;
a spacer sheet overlaying said snap dome array opposite said body;
said spacer sheet including a plurality of apertures, each of said
apertures configured to receive a corresponding one of said domes
therein; and
a user input interface comprising a key and graphic entry pad
overlaying said spacer sheet opposite said snap dome sheet, said
entry pad including a plurality of key entry surfaces thereon,
wherein each of said plurality of key entry surfaces are aligned
with a respective one of said domes, wherein responsive to a user's
depression of one of said key entry surfaces, said respective dome
travels a predetermined distance towards said touch pad surface to
provide tactile affirmation of the selection to the user and relay
the selection to the said touch pad surface.
11. A communication device according to claim 10, wherein said
device includes a radiotelephone.
12. A communication device according to claim 11, wherein said
device entry pad is configured to output numbers input by a user
for operating said radiotelephone.
13. A communication device according to claim 10, wherein said
plurality of key entry surfaces are configured on said entry pad as
a substantially planar continuous surface to facilitate a smooth
graphic entry surface.
14. A communication device according to claim 10, wherein said
array of snap domes is configured as a snap dome sheet to position
a plurality of upwardly extending domes in positive retention.
15. A communication device according to claim 10, wherein said
device includes two modes of operation controllable by a user
selectable switch.
16. A communication device according to claim 15, wherein said two
modes of operation include a key entry mode and a graphic entry
mode.
17. A communication device according to claim 16, wherein each of
said domes contacts said touch pad surface to define a contact zone
representing a corresponding key pad entry when said device is in
said key entry mode.
18. A communication device according to claim 11, wherein said
device includes a display window adjacent said touch pad
surface.
19. A communication device according to claim 17, wherein said
spacer sheet has a top surface which contacts said entry keypad,
and wherein said domes are configured and sized such that they
extend into said spacer sheet apertures to be substantially flush
with said top surface.
20. A communication according to claim 17, wherein said spacer
sheet has a top surface which contacts said entry keypad, and
wherein said domes received in said spacer sheet apertures are
below said top surface.
21. A touch-pad assembly, comprising:
an array of protrusions having opposing top and bottom surfaces,
said bottom surface configured to overlay and contact a touch-pad
surface;
a spacer sheet overlaying and contacting said array top surface,
said spacer sheet including a plurality of apertures, each of said
apertures configured and sized to receive at least one of said
array of protrusions therein; and
a user input interface comprising a key and graphic entry pad
overlaying said spacer sheet opposite said array of protrusions,
said entry pad including a plurality of key entry surfaces thereon,
wherein said assembly is configured to engage with a touch-pad
surface such that in response to a user's depression of one of said
key entry surfaces said assembly provides tactile affirmation of
the selection to the user and relays the selection to the touch-pad
surface.
22. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 21, wherein said entry
pad with said key entry surfaces has a substantially planar
continuous entry surface to facilitate a smooth graphic entry
surface for a user.
23. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 21, wherein said array
of protrusions is an array of snap domes.
24. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 23, wherein said array
is configured as a snap dome sheet configured to position a
plurality of upwardly extending domes in positive retention.
25. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 24, wherein each of
said domes contacts said touch pad surface to define a contact zone
representing a corresponding keypad entry.
26. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 23, wherein said key
entry pad is configured to provide two modes of operation
controllable by a user selectable switch.
27. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 26, wherein said two
modes of operation include a key entry mode and a graphic entry
mode.
28. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 23, wherein said spacer
sheet has a top surface which contacts said entry keypad, and
wherein said domes are configured and sized such that they extend
into said spacer sheet apertures to be substantially flush with
said top surface.
29. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 23, wherein said spacer
sheet has a top surface which contacts said entry keypad, and
wherein said domes received in said spacer sheet apertures are
below said top surface.
30. A user interface for a touch pad surface, comprising:
a keypad assembly configured to overlay the touch pad surface and
receive and relay input from a user, a key entry mode and a graphic
entry mode, said keypad assembly comprising an entry surface
configured to allow both key entry mode and graphic entry mode on
the same input surface and having a plurality of tactile responsive
input surfaces thereon, wherein each of said tactile input surfaces
is associated with a key entry surface, and wherein said tactile
input surfaces comprise areas of increased resistance such that a
user receives tactile affirmation simulating a depressed key.
31. A user interface according to claim 30, wherein said keypad
assembly includes an array of protrusions having opposing top and
bottom surfaces, said bottom surface configured to overlay and
contact the touch-pad surface.
32. A user interface according to claim 31, wherein said keypad
assembly includes a unitary spacer sheet overlaying and contacting
said array top surface, said spacer sheet including a plurality of
apertures, each of said apertures configured and sized to receive
at least one of said array of protrusions therein.
33. A user interface according to claim 32, wherein said key and
graphic entry pad overlays said spacer sheet opposite said array of
protrusions, such that in said key and graphic entry pad inner
surface is sized and configured to directly contact the upper
surface of said spacer sheet and the upper extending portions of
said protrusions, and wherein said entry pad including a plurality
of key entry surfaces thereon, wherein said assembly is configured
to engage with a touch-pad surface such that in response to a
user's depression of one of said key entry surfaces said assembly
provides tactile affirmation of the selection to the user and
relays the selection to the touch-pad surface.
34. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 30, wherein said entry
pad with said key entry surfaces has a substantially planar
continuous entry surface to facilitate a smooth graphic entry
surface for a user.
35. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 33, wherein said array
of protrusions is an array of snap domes.
36. A touch-pad assembly according to claim 33, wherein each of
said domes contacts said touch pad surface to define a contact zone
representing a corresponding keypad entry.
37. A radiotelephone according to claim 1, wherein said array of
snap domes is configured as a substantially continuous polydome
sheet.
38. A radiotelephone according to claim 6, wherein said user
interface comprises a plurality of key entry spaces, and wherein
each of said domes in said snap dome array is aligned with an
overlying predetermined key entry space on the user interface
surface and with an underlying contact zone on said radiotelephone
face touch-pad surface.
39. A radiotelephone according to claim 38, wherein during key mode
operation, said radiotelephone is configured such that said
underlying radiotelephone face includes an absolute positional
relationship between said radiotelephone face touch pad surface and
said user interface said absolute positional relationship
corresponding to a plurality of contact zones on each of said
contact zones defined by position and size of a key overlaying
respective entry space on said user interface surface, and wherein
during graphic entry mode, said radiotelephone is configured with a
relative positional relationship between said radiotelephone face
touch pad surface and said user interface surface.
40. A portable communication device according to claim 10, wherein
said array of snap domes is configured as a substantially
continuous polydome sheet.
41. A touch pad assembly according to claim 21, wherein said array
of snap domes is configured as a substantially continuous polydome
sheet.
42. A touch pad assembly according to claim 27, wherein each of
said domes in said snap dome array is aligned with an overlying one
of said key entry surfaces and with an underlying contact zone on
said touch pad surface.
43. A touch pad assembly according to claim 42, wherein during key
mode operations said touch pad assembly is configured such that
said underlying touch pad surface has an absolute positional
relationship with said user interface corresponding to a plurality
of contact zones defined on said touch-pad surface, said contact
zones defined by position, and size of a respective key entry
space.
44. A user interface for a touch pad surface according to claim 31,
wherein said array of protrusions is configured as a substantially
continuous polydome sheet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to portable communication
devices, and more particularly relates to user interfaces for
portable communication devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable electronic communication devices such as personal
organizers and radiotelephones continue to grow in popularity. In
order to improve transportability, it is generally desired that
these portable devices be lightweight and compact. This, in turn,
generally dictates a slim and miniaturized product configuration.
Accordingly, some devices have incorporated touch-pads to replace
conventional keypad and switch assemblies. Touch-pads typically
overlay printed circuit boards and electrically connect at one end
of the device, consuming little board space and providing a thin
assembly. Unfortunately, although touch pads allow for thinner
product configurations, users must typically visually affirm their
entry by viewing a display on the device. In addition, many
consumers prefer tactile feedback (similar to a clicking response)
to a key entry or input.
In the past, some designs have attempted to resolve the tactile
feedback problem by providing a removable keypad assembly. Thus, in
such a device, a user can graphically enter (write, draw and the
like) on the touch pad surface of the device using a writing tool
such as a stylus, or insert the keypad assembly into the device to
overlay the touch-pad surface and enter data via the keypad entry
surface. Unfortunately, such a design involves removing components
which may be subsequently misplaced or lost. Further
disadvantageous, pulling and pushing on the assembly to insert and
remove same can add stress or fatigue to the assembly
interconnections.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,054 to Tyneski et al. has attempted to resolve
the separate component problem by providing a hinged assembly. As
described, the keypad flips away from the touch-pad via the hinge.
However, the device includes two separate entry surfaces and still
requires a user to reposition the keypad over the touch-pad for key
entry.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an
improved user interface for a communication device.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide with an
improved user interface for a communication device with a touch pad
input without requiring removal or replacement of a separate keypad
assembly.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide an improved
user interface for operating a radiotelephone with a touch-pad
surface.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a radiotelephone
with a tactile feature which does not require removal or
replacement of a keypad assembly.
These and other objects, advantages, and features are provided by
an integrated touch-pad assembly having tactile feedback and a user
interface pad with both a key and graphical entry capability. In
particular, a first aspect of the present invention is a
radiotelephone with a touch pad having tactile features associated
therewith. The radiotelephone comprises a radiotelephone body
having a face with a touch pad surface. The radiotelephone also
includes an array of snap domes arranged in predetermined
spaced-apart alignment to contact the touch pad surface and a
spacer sheet overlaying the snap dome array opposite the
radiotelephone body. The spacer sheet includes a plurality of
apertures for receiving selected ones of the domes therein. The
radiotelephone also includes a dual key and graphic entry pad
overlaying the spacer sheet opposite the snap dome array. The entry
pad includes a plurality of key entry surfaces thereon. Each of the
plurality of key entry surfaces is aligned with respective ones of
the domes received in the spacer sheet. Advantageously, in response
to a user's depression of one of the key entry surfaces, the dome
provides tactile affirmation of the selection to the user and
relays the selection to the touch pad surface. Preferably, the key
entry surfaces are configured on the entry pad as a substantially
planar continuous surface to facilitate a smooth graphic entry
surface for a user.
In a preferred embodiment, the array of snap domes is configured as
a snap dome sheet so as to position a plurality of upwardly
extending domes in positive retention to provide an absolute
location of the domes relative to the spacer sheet and touch pad
surface. Each of the domes contacts the touch pad surface to define
a contact zone representing a corresponding keypad entry. Thus, in
a preferred embodiment, the radiotelephone includes two modes of
operation controllable by a user selectable switch, a key entry
mode and a graphic entry mode.
Another aspect of the present invention is a portable communication
device which comprises a device body having a face with a touch pad
surface thereon. The device also includes a touch pad assembly
similar to that described above. The touch pad assembly includes an
array of snap domes arranged in spaced-apart alignment positioned
on the device body to contact the touch pad surface and a spacer
sheet overlaying the snap dome array opposite the device body. The
spacer sheet includes a plurality of apertures, each of the
apertures configured to receive a corresponding one of the domes
therein. The device also includes a dual key and graphic entry pad
overlaying the spacer sheet opposite the snap dome sheet. The entry
pad includes a plurality of key entry surfaces and each of the key
entry surfaces is aligned with a respective one of the domes. One
of the domes, responsive to a user's depression of the
corresponding key entry surface travels a predetermined distance
towards the touch pad surface to provide tactile affirmation of the
selection to the user and relay the selection to the said touch pad
surface. Preferably, the dome is configured and sized to resist the
depression a sufficient amount to provide a clicking tactile
feedback to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the key entry
surface and the corresponding dome define a contact zone on the
touch pad which is associated with the appropriate key entry when
the key entry input mode is selected. Thus, the engagement of the
contact zone is recognized by the device as a keyed entry
corresponding to the key entry surface on the entry pad.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a touch-pad
assembly. The touch pad assembly comprises an array of protrusions
such as snap domes having opposing top and bottom surfaces. The
bottom surface is configured to overlay and contact a touch-pad
surface. The touch pad assembly also includes a spacer sheet
overlaying and contacting the top surface of the array. The spacer
sheet includes a plurality of apertures and each of the apertures
is configured and sized to receive at least one of domes in the
array of snap domes therein. The touch pad assembly also includes a
dual key and graphic entry pad overlaying the spacer sheet opposite
the array of snap domes. The dual entry pad includes a plurality of
key entry surfaces thereon. The assembly is configured to engage
with a touch-pad surface such that in response to a user's
depression of one of the key entry surfaces the assembly provides
tactile affirmation of the selection to the user and relays the
selection to the touch-pad surface. Preferably, the dual entry pad
with the key entry surfaces has a substantially planar continuous
surface to facilitate a smooth graphic entry surface for a
user.
In a preferred embodiment, the array of protrusions or snap domes
is a snap dome sheet configured to position a plurality of upwardly
extending domes in positive retention and each of the domes
contacts the touch pad surface to define a contact zone
representing a corresponding key pad entry.
In another preferred embodiment, the spacer sheet has a top surface
which contacts the dual entry keypad and the domes are configured
and sized such that they extend into the spacer sheet apertures to
be substantially flush with or below the top surface. This
configuration will provide sufficient support for the entry pad
relative to the spacer sheet and domes, and allow a smooth top
surface on the entry pad further facilitating graphic input
alongside tactile feedback for keypad entry on the same
surface.
Advantageously, the dual entry pad allows both the graphical and
key entry on the same surface. This combination input surface
provides desired tactile features for a user interface, a slim
product package, and an improved user interface which no longer
requires removing and positioning separate components relative to
the touch-pad to obtain the tactile feedback for the touch pad
input surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a radiotelephone with a touch pad
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a touch pad assembly
positioned in a communication device according to the present
invention.
FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged view of a touch pad assembly
contacting a touch-pad display according to the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a contact dome according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 4A is a side view of the contact dome of FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a contact dome of an additional embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a side view of the contact dome of FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 is a top view of a contact dome according to yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6A is a side view of the contact dome of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout. In the figures, certain thicknesses may be
exaggerated for clarity.
The present invention is directed towards user interfaces for
portable electronic communication devices such as personal
organizers, radiotelephones, and the like. The interface is
particularly suitable for small compact radiotelephones. Referring
now to FIG. 1, a radiotelephone 10 with a user accessible face 20
is shown. The face 20 is positioned in the radiotelephone housing
15 so as to be exposed to the user during operation. The
radiotelephone face 20 includes a touch pad surface 21. As shown in
FIG. 1, the radiotelephone face 20 also includes a display window
25 preferably positioned adjacent the touch pad surface 21. The
display window 25 can display scrolled menus, messages, or other
information generated via the user interface. A touch pad assembly
75 is positioned to overlay the touch-pad surface 21. The touch pad
assembly 75 may provide the primary (or only) user interface on the
device and, as will be discussed further below, is advantageously
configured to allow both key entry and graphical entry on the same
entry pad 50.
The touch pad assembly 75 includes an array of snap domes 30, a
spacer sheet 40, and a dual entry pad 50. As illustrated in FIG. 2,
the touch pad assembly 75 is electrically connected at one end 58
through an electrical connection 76 to a printed circuit board 80
and/or other electronic devices disposed in the radiotelephone
housing 15. As shown in FIG. 1, the array of snap domes 30 is
preferably configured as a continuous sheet 31. In a preferred
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the snap domes 30 is
configured with an upwardly extending contact partial spherical
dome surface 34 and a planar bottom surface 35. In operation, the
upwardly extending portion 34 is configured to provide tactile
feedback (such as a snap or click) to a user in response to
depression of a key entry surface 51, while the planar bottom
surface 35 defines a contact zone on the touch pad surface 21
representing the selected key entry as will be discussed further
below. However, alternative configurations and shapes can also be
employed. Exemplary tactile contact shapes are shown, but are not
limited to, those shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. FIGS. 4 and 4A
illustrate a radial strip 130, FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate a skeletal
dome 230, and FIGS. 6 and 6A show a "C" channel 330. Thus, it will
be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the term "snap
dome" as used herein is used to generally describe contact
protrusions of numerous shapes.
The array 30 can be conductive or non-conductive and can be formed
by a continuous polydome sheet or by separate metal dome components
positioned in an array configuration. Preferably, if separate metal
(or semi-rigid, but resilient) dome components are employed then
alternative positioning means such as a tape overlay or other
anchoring sheet can be used to hold the domes in the proper array
configuration. Alternatively, the domes 30 can be inserted into the
corresponding aperture 41 without a separate support sheet. In this
embodiment, the dome base 35 can provide the contact perimeter for
the touch pad surface and is preferably configured in the spacer
sheet to be substantially flush with the bottom of the spacer sheet
40 so as to minimize any undue pressure on the touch pad surface
21. Indeed, the spacer sheet 40 can be counter bored to fit the
dome base 35 therein (not shown). In addition, if the device is to
be used in a hot environment, the polydome may degrade over time,
and as such it is preferred that metal domes be used in these
applications.
In any event, as shown in FIG. 3, the snap domes 30 are positioned
in the device (shown as a radiotelephone 10) such that the base or
planar bottom surface 35 of the domes 30 contacts the touch pad
surface 21. As such, each of the domes 30 contacts the touch pad
surface 21 and defines a contact zone 95 thereabout, each contact
zone 95 corresponding to the key entry surface 51 associated with a
predetermined location on the touch pad surface 21. The upwardly
extending portion 34 of the snap dome 30 is sized and configured to
be received into one of the plurality of apertures 41 in the spacer
sheet 40. Preferably, the spacer sheet 40 includes one aperture 41
for each of the domes 30. This configuration provides underlying
support for the writing entry surface 52 and allows the tactile
response in the key entry mode according to the instant invention.
Of course, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,
alternative spacer aperture 41 shapes can be employed.
As shown in FIG. 3, the upwardly extending portion 34 of the dome
is preferably flush (or below) the top surface of the spacer sheet
40. This configuration will provide a substantially planar entry
surface 52.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the entry pad 50 includes a dual entry
surface 52 which is substantially continuous, smooth, and flat or
planar. This will provide a graphic input surface as well as a key
entry surface. The entry pad 50 includes a plurality of key entry
surfaces 51 representing predetermined characters (shown as
numerals and functions). The key entry surfaces 51 are aligned with
contacting contact domes 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when in
the key entry mode, a user depresses the selected key entry surface
51 with a depression force (FD) and the dome 30 transmits a
depression contact force (Fc) through the dome base 35 to the touch
pad surface 21. This contact force Fc activates the contact zone 95
on the touch pad surface 21 designated to represent the
corresponding key entry surface.
The device 10 also includes a user selection switch 90 (FIG. 1). As
is well know to those of skill in the art, the switch 90 can be a
"hard" or "soft" key. The device preferably includes two modes of
operation which is controllable by a user via the switch 95, a key
entry mode and a graphic entry mode. In the key entry mode, the key
entry surfaces 51 define an absolute position area on the touch pad
surface 21 such that the device recognizes the key character entry
associated with the corresponding position or contact zone 95. In
contrast, in the non-key entry mode (graphic entry mode) a user can
draw or write on the entry surface 52 and the touch pad surface 21
responds to recognize the input via a relative position area. As is
well known to those of skill in the art, one way of implementing
the contact zone recognition area is with software operably
associated with the touch pad assembly 75.
An exemplary method of operation of a user interface according to
the present invention allows, upon activation of the device, a user
to select a desired entry mode on a single keypad. One entry mode
(the key entry mode) allows typical operation of a key entry mode
via the dual entry input pad. The other entry mode (the graphic
entry mode) allows the user to select a graphic mode entry through
which the graphic input is made through the same entry keypad.
The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not
to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary
embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in
the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. In the
claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the
structures described herein as performing the recited function and
not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is
illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that
modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,
with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
* * * * *